He had nothing but praise for Saxo-Tinkoff, and its owner. “Have never witnessed a more dedicated passionate group of people,” he tweeted. “Bjarne (Riis) is simply special” The man is a visionary, great for the sport.”

He wished the team good luck in 2013, saying, “believe me, they will kick A !”

Gates did not say what he would be moving too, only that “I will inform you, but stealth. #soon.”